FDARA Reauthorization Critical to Advancement of Lifesaving Medicines

This morning, the Senate is voting on H.R. 2430, the Food and Drug Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017 (FDARA), hopefully with the affirmative action of sending the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support in July.

As noted in a National Association of Manufacturers’ letter to the Senate, “FDARA is the ultimate public–private partnership that supports patients who need lifesaving medical treatments while promoting science, research and technological innovation.”

Manufacturers in America lead the nation in research and development (R&D), driving more innovation than any other sector. Pharmaceutical manufacturers, in particular, account for nearly one-third of all manufacturing R&D. In turn, the United States is a global leader in the development of medical breakthroughs.

Reauthorization of the FDA’s user-fee program would support the research pipeline and accelerate the development of new medicines and treatments. The NAM supports the Senate’s effort to act quickly in voting to reauthorize FDARA as it stands before adjourning for recess. Any delay to this critical legislation would jeopardize America’s position as a global leader in medical discovery.